View Full Version : Which is your favorite lens for interviews?


Samer Aslan
April 6th, 2012, 12:26 PM
I was wondering what is/are your best/favorite lens for interviews shots? I have the FS-100 lens kit but it's not best in low light situation and for shallow depth of field and got the Novoflex for Nikon mount and got myself the Tokina 11-16 for wide angles shots and i have ordered more than two month ago the SEL24F18Z 24mm f/1.8 and still waiting for it to arrive (my supplier keep pushing date arrival every week!!!)
what would you recommend for another lens for interviews (not only)? got a budget of €500 to €700, not Canon lens, E mount or Nikon mount or maybe Sony mount (will get the Sony LA-EA2 adapter)
Thanks
Samer

Chris Medico
April 6th, 2012, 12:50 PM
I have a Canon FD 85mm f/1.2L that is my go-to lens for interviews. The image from this thing is fantastic and I like how people are rendered in mid range lenses (50m to 85mm).

Yes, I have to move the camera back and forth some if I'm going to reframe but the image quality is worth it. Get some dolly wheels for your tripod for quicker setup changes. :)

Samer Aslan
April 6th, 2012, 01:21 PM
Hi Chris,thank you for your reply, i was thinking about getting one of these: Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 AIS Manual Focus Lens 1433 B&H Photo
or maybe this one: Sony 50mm f/1.8 Telephoto Lens SEL50F18 B&H Photo Video
what do you think? i'm tying to stick with Nikon, Emount or sony lens,..just to get an idea of what kind of shooting i do here are two clips shot with the PMW-350...haven't tried the FS-100 on paying job yet because i'm waiting to have the right lenses this way i'm covered with about all i need, been using only my PMW-350 lately..
thanks
Canova e la Danza - YouTube
sample clips from PMW-350 on Vimeo

Bill Weaver
April 7th, 2012, 09:49 AM
A 13 dollar lens adapter and a 1.8 canon FD 50mm really does the trick. I also have a 35 and 25 FD that can serve that purpose well. counting adapters, filters, about 500 for the whole lot.